- Posting Speed
- 1-3 posts per week
- One post per week
- Writing Levels
- Adept
- Advanced
- Preferred Character Gender
- Male
Here's to my first group thread. I am nervous about posting this but here it goes.
Plot:
Since the Elemental War 427 years ago, peace has flourished under the leadership of the Covenant, five of the most powerful magi in all the land. Under their guidance, five families have risen to power ruling a section of land gifted to them by the Covenant. Given the responsibility to govern justly, these families have established laws in addition to those the Covenant have placed on magic. Those who violated the laws were thrust out of society and force to live outside the Barrier - a massive protection spell placed over the land. The land inside this barrier became known as Aikanah.
As time passed, mankind inside the barrier began to grow complacent. Forgetting about the struggles that they endured so long ago, they turned to luxuries and comforts that captured their hearts and began to divide the unity that had saved them. Complacency fed, not the righteous, but the wicked.
Unbeknownst to anyone but the Covenant for fear of an uprising or panic, the barrier has weakened as the attention of its attendants have turned inward. The Dreskar, or Truly Free, have taken advantage of this and begun trickling through the holes that have formed returning to the land they once were exiled from. The Covenant believes the threat is minimum and have sent their best to investigate but without telling the Families, none could be truly ready for even the smallest force.
To add to this, Quentin Vaughn, the oldest Covenant member has been murdered. Attention turns to the families as suspicions arise as to who killed him as it creates a hole that must be filled by a member of one of the families.
Taking advantage of the vacancy and the chaos that has ensued, a sixth family has arisen to challenge to rights of the youngest family, the Del'Morans. For the first time in 427 years, a guerrilla war has erupted within the barrier.
With so much to deal with, the Covenant must turn to the citizens of Aikanah to help them.
----------------------
Politics:
Aikanah is run, first, by the Covenant. The Covenant has designed the laws that govern magic and contain the five most powerful magi of their generation. It is entirely made up of Ascendants (defined in the magic section) and only the most powerful of them. As one passes away, another Ascendant is chosen from the Houses to fill that slot. Outwardly, they are all equal though the fact that House Ambrose has two members in the Covenant causes some decisions the Covenant weighs in on to favor the Ambrose. The Covenant is in charge of maintaining order where magic is concerned. They are the five msot powerful men and women on the planet and, as such, their word is law. Some covenant members live honorably but not every member holds to the same moral standards as these.
The Current Members of the Covenant and their houses are:
First Chair: Held by the eldest of the members, Quentin Vaughn, of House Vaughn
Second Chair: Niet Badeaux of House Badeaux
Third Chair: Yanette Ambrose of House Ambrose
Fourth Chair: Wen Ambrose of House Ambrose
Fifth Chair: Ericka Rosenthal of House Rosenthal
House Vaughn is the smallest of the houses, but has produced some of the most powerful Ascendants. They are currently under scrutiny as Lord Bennett Vaughn has just married his third wife in seven years. Rumors are spreading concerning the disappearance of his first wife, Isaboe, and the death of his second wife, Ryella. His sister Henrietta, is rumored to be the first choice to replace the aging Quentin when he passes.
House Badeaux is shrouded in mystery. They're secrecy serves as the center of many conspiracies. Even their Covenant member does not shed light on any rumors by addressing them. Lord Rafael and Lady Tera lead the house. Those who serve House Badeaux know the importance of secrecy and most are extremely loyal. This loyalty is honored with position and riches.
House Rosenthal is the wealthiest of the houses and, while they are known for their extravagant tastes, they are equally or more so famed for their generosity toward their subjects. It is Lord Galvin and Lady Seleste's belief that when people are treated well, they will return the favor. They're youngest daughter, Ericka, is the newest member of the Covenant and its youngest at 24.
House Ambrose has produced the most Ascendants and currently have two in the Covenant. This makes them the most powerful family and they know it. They tend to consider themselves of a higher social standing than the other houses and, as a result, many houses only tolerate them because of their political power.
House Del'Mora is currently the only house without a Covenant member. Unfortunately for them, they have not produced an Ascendant in 57 years. This cause many of the other houses to distance themselves. To make matters worse, the Lady of the House has recently been widowed when her husband, Lord Reginald, fell from his mount and broke his neck. She is young and beautiful. Many seek her hand but this not something she is willing to give away easily.
Dreskar is the name given to those banished from Aikanah for their crimes, or more recently, for crossing the wrong noble. The Dreskar have been twisted in tales as deformed monstrosities that devour those who pass through the Barrier.
-------------------
Aikanah is a massive, sprawling city under a magical barrier than continues to expand with the city. Divided into six districts named after the hero of the era in which they were built, each one is assigned to a House for care.
Aikanah Proper is the original city and under the direct supervision of the Covenant. Massive white walls surround the city of stone that cradles the Teldris River. In the center of the city are five thin towers that stretch skyward with gigantic tapestries that match the House Crest of the Covenant member that resides within. At the center is a thicker tower at which the others connect via bridges half-way up. It is in that tower the Covenant convenes.
Tellvin is the district that borders Aikanah Proper and stretches out until it reaches the Latian Mountains to the east. It is the oldest district and where most of the wealthiest people live as many politicians that work within Aikanah Proper reside there. It is under the care of House Vaughn.
Santinar has earned a reputation as the district where most of the shadowy deals go down. Parties rage in this district night and day. All manner of brothels, high end and cheap, reside within. It is considered 'dirty' only because of the business that is handled within. It borders Tellvin to the north and is the smallest expansion due to the plague that threatened Aikanah during the Santinar Era. Ambrose rules this district.
Hadrius border Santinar to the west with high walls and contains much of the fertile ground that feeds Aikanah. As such, it is peppered with farms and mines. Many honest people reside within this district but the wages are not good and people are often found working themselves into their graves for little more to show for it than memories. It is the largest district as the Covenant during this era sought to ensure that there was enough food to recover from the plague. House Badeaux governs this district.
Reshin connects to Hadrius and serves as the industrial center of Aikanah. Weapons, armor, mills, warehouses, and wharfs are all located here. The families here are taken well care of by the Rosenthal Family.
Neolytus is governed by the Del'Morans. It serves as the slums of Aikanah where the poorest and destitute go. It is the most difficult to govern as crime is rampant. It also houses the largest dispatch of mages and soldiers because it borders the Barrier. There is a mysterious family that has begun to surface since Lord Reginald's death with the purpose to dethrone the Del'Moran family.
The Forbidden is the land beyond the border. It is unexplored and most be conquered as the barrier expands. The Dreskar call it home...for now.
--------------------
Magic is in every soul of Aikanah. This is what every denizen of Aikanah is taught as soon as they are born. Because of bonds shed long ago during the Elemental War, each soul is imbued with an element that is passed down from generation to generation in a lottery similar to eye color or stature. The elements of parents battle over dominance until one becomes victorious. In rare cases, a child, granted the title of Gifted, could even be born marked by both of their parent's elements. Even rarer still, one might emerge marked by all six. These special children are known as Ascendants.
While all souls are linked to a number of elements, not every person is equally as powerful. A person's magical prowess scales as would one's natural strength. You must practice to grow stronger. Therefore, some people can muster little more than a spark while others can control massive wildfires.
These are the levels of casters:
Neophyte: The lowest level. It usually consists of young children or adults who have chosen not to increase their magical prowess in favor of some other pursuit.
Apprentice: When one wishes to pursue their gift, they often take on an apprenticeship under their appropriate parent or an outside tutor because magic is volatile and not easily mastered. Ascendants are tutored by a member of the Covenant. Not everyone moves passed this point. Apprentices are of all ages for anyone may become one at anytime. Some abandon their training early feeling as though they learned what they needed to pursue their chosen profession.
Adept: Once an apprentice passe their Dawning - a series of predetermined tests - they become adepts. More often than not, an adept chooses to pursue even more learning to move up to the highest rank.
Magister: A Magister is the highest rank a mage can attain. It takes many years of practice and often a witnessed major spell (such as calming a massive wildfire, taming a tornado, halting a tsunami, growing food during a drought, etc.) to be promoted to this level.
Magic works under the law of equivalent exchange. In essence, it costs something to cast magic. It could be strength, time, life, whatever the case, magic is not free.
The elements are:
Fire: Besides having the ability to manipulate flames, a mage can control the heat within a room or even a person's body helping to contain fevers. A Neophyte can strike a spark while a Magister can tame wildfires. Fire magic is intimidating, and wild.
Water: Besides manipulating water, those marked by water can pull water from anything. Creating drizzles or storms are among the larger spells. Water magic is calming and healing.
Earth: Perhaps one of the most difficult paths of magic due to the stubborn nature of earth. It takes much training to even cause earth to shift. One who's mastered this element can cause the earth to give way to crops, break mountains, and create barriers of rock with little effort.
Wind: Small bursts of wind become barriers and controlled movement of objects with training. It is quick, sharp, and unpredictable.
Light: Light magic is powerful and extremely difficult. It offers comfort to the mentally weary and, when mastere,d produces massive barriers like the one that protects Aikanah. It can even allow someone to glimpse into possible futures. It is rare to find a human marked by this gift. Usually one must be born to two Light marked parents as it is considered recessive.
Dark: Dark magic is the most dangerous to wield. Darkness provides rest to the weary and allows a novice to meld into the shadows. A master can judge the motives of a person by seeing into the darkest recesses of the heart and mind. The risk of exploring and being exposed to the utter darkness within man often leads to insanity to those who have not been properly trained for such exploration. Because of the dangers associated with it, many who are branded with dark magic choose not to pursue it or, if they are marked with two elements, will solely pursue the other. Only the most dedicated can master this magic and keep their sanity.
--------------------
What I expect from players:
Posting Expectation: Intermediate - Adept, once a week. I'd also like to stay away from less than 4 detailed paragraphs.
Communication: Let me know if you can't post or if you're stuck (writer's block). I want this to succeed so the more we communicate the better off we'll be. Also, if you have an idea, feel free to share it. It just might make it into the story as a plot line!
Standard Iwaku rules apply.
No god-modding.
Be nice.
Plot:
Since the Elemental War 427 years ago, peace has flourished under the leadership of the Covenant, five of the most powerful magi in all the land. Under their guidance, five families have risen to power ruling a section of land gifted to them by the Covenant. Given the responsibility to govern justly, these families have established laws in addition to those the Covenant have placed on magic. Those who violated the laws were thrust out of society and force to live outside the Barrier - a massive protection spell placed over the land. The land inside this barrier became known as Aikanah.
As time passed, mankind inside the barrier began to grow complacent. Forgetting about the struggles that they endured so long ago, they turned to luxuries and comforts that captured their hearts and began to divide the unity that had saved them. Complacency fed, not the righteous, but the wicked.
Unbeknownst to anyone but the Covenant for fear of an uprising or panic, the barrier has weakened as the attention of its attendants have turned inward. The Dreskar, or Truly Free, have taken advantage of this and begun trickling through the holes that have formed returning to the land they once were exiled from. The Covenant believes the threat is minimum and have sent their best to investigate but without telling the Families, none could be truly ready for even the smallest force.
To add to this, Quentin Vaughn, the oldest Covenant member has been murdered. Attention turns to the families as suspicions arise as to who killed him as it creates a hole that must be filled by a member of one of the families.
Taking advantage of the vacancy and the chaos that has ensued, a sixth family has arisen to challenge to rights of the youngest family, the Del'Morans. For the first time in 427 years, a guerrilla war has erupted within the barrier.
With so much to deal with, the Covenant must turn to the citizens of Aikanah to help them.
----------------------
Politics:
Aikanah is run, first, by the Covenant. The Covenant has designed the laws that govern magic and contain the five most powerful magi of their generation. It is entirely made up of Ascendants (defined in the magic section) and only the most powerful of them. As one passes away, another Ascendant is chosen from the Houses to fill that slot. Outwardly, they are all equal though the fact that House Ambrose has two members in the Covenant causes some decisions the Covenant weighs in on to favor the Ambrose. The Covenant is in charge of maintaining order where magic is concerned. They are the five msot powerful men and women on the planet and, as such, their word is law. Some covenant members live honorably but not every member holds to the same moral standards as these.
The Current Members of the Covenant and their houses are:
First Chair: Held by the eldest of the members, Quentin Vaughn, of House Vaughn
Second Chair: Niet Badeaux of House Badeaux
Third Chair: Yanette Ambrose of House Ambrose
Fourth Chair: Wen Ambrose of House Ambrose
Fifth Chair: Ericka Rosenthal of House Rosenthal
House Vaughn is the smallest of the houses, but has produced some of the most powerful Ascendants. They are currently under scrutiny as Lord Bennett Vaughn has just married his third wife in seven years. Rumors are spreading concerning the disappearance of his first wife, Isaboe, and the death of his second wife, Ryella. His sister Henrietta, is rumored to be the first choice to replace the aging Quentin when he passes.
House Badeaux is shrouded in mystery. They're secrecy serves as the center of many conspiracies. Even their Covenant member does not shed light on any rumors by addressing them. Lord Rafael and Lady Tera lead the house. Those who serve House Badeaux know the importance of secrecy and most are extremely loyal. This loyalty is honored with position and riches.
House Rosenthal is the wealthiest of the houses and, while they are known for their extravagant tastes, they are equally or more so famed for their generosity toward their subjects. It is Lord Galvin and Lady Seleste's belief that when people are treated well, they will return the favor. They're youngest daughter, Ericka, is the newest member of the Covenant and its youngest at 24.
House Ambrose has produced the most Ascendants and currently have two in the Covenant. This makes them the most powerful family and they know it. They tend to consider themselves of a higher social standing than the other houses and, as a result, many houses only tolerate them because of their political power.
House Del'Mora is currently the only house without a Covenant member. Unfortunately for them, they have not produced an Ascendant in 57 years. This cause many of the other houses to distance themselves. To make matters worse, the Lady of the House has recently been widowed when her husband, Lord Reginald, fell from his mount and broke his neck. She is young and beautiful. Many seek her hand but this not something she is willing to give away easily.
Dreskar is the name given to those banished from Aikanah for their crimes, or more recently, for crossing the wrong noble. The Dreskar have been twisted in tales as deformed monstrosities that devour those who pass through the Barrier.
-------------------
Aikanah is a massive, sprawling city under a magical barrier than continues to expand with the city. Divided into six districts named after the hero of the era in which they were built, each one is assigned to a House for care.
Aikanah Proper is the original city and under the direct supervision of the Covenant. Massive white walls surround the city of stone that cradles the Teldris River. In the center of the city are five thin towers that stretch skyward with gigantic tapestries that match the House Crest of the Covenant member that resides within. At the center is a thicker tower at which the others connect via bridges half-way up. It is in that tower the Covenant convenes.
Tellvin is the district that borders Aikanah Proper and stretches out until it reaches the Latian Mountains to the east. It is the oldest district and where most of the wealthiest people live as many politicians that work within Aikanah Proper reside there. It is under the care of House Vaughn.
Santinar has earned a reputation as the district where most of the shadowy deals go down. Parties rage in this district night and day. All manner of brothels, high end and cheap, reside within. It is considered 'dirty' only because of the business that is handled within. It borders Tellvin to the north and is the smallest expansion due to the plague that threatened Aikanah during the Santinar Era. Ambrose rules this district.
Hadrius border Santinar to the west with high walls and contains much of the fertile ground that feeds Aikanah. As such, it is peppered with farms and mines. Many honest people reside within this district but the wages are not good and people are often found working themselves into their graves for little more to show for it than memories. It is the largest district as the Covenant during this era sought to ensure that there was enough food to recover from the plague. House Badeaux governs this district.
Reshin connects to Hadrius and serves as the industrial center of Aikanah. Weapons, armor, mills, warehouses, and wharfs are all located here. The families here are taken well care of by the Rosenthal Family.
Neolytus is governed by the Del'Morans. It serves as the slums of Aikanah where the poorest and destitute go. It is the most difficult to govern as crime is rampant. It also houses the largest dispatch of mages and soldiers because it borders the Barrier. There is a mysterious family that has begun to surface since Lord Reginald's death with the purpose to dethrone the Del'Moran family.
The Forbidden is the land beyond the border. It is unexplored and most be conquered as the barrier expands. The Dreskar call it home...for now.
--------------------
Magic is in every soul of Aikanah. This is what every denizen of Aikanah is taught as soon as they are born. Because of bonds shed long ago during the Elemental War, each soul is imbued with an element that is passed down from generation to generation in a lottery similar to eye color or stature. The elements of parents battle over dominance until one becomes victorious. In rare cases, a child, granted the title of Gifted, could even be born marked by both of their parent's elements. Even rarer still, one might emerge marked by all six. These special children are known as Ascendants.
While all souls are linked to a number of elements, not every person is equally as powerful. A person's magical prowess scales as would one's natural strength. You must practice to grow stronger. Therefore, some people can muster little more than a spark while others can control massive wildfires.
These are the levels of casters:
Neophyte: The lowest level. It usually consists of young children or adults who have chosen not to increase their magical prowess in favor of some other pursuit.
Apprentice: When one wishes to pursue their gift, they often take on an apprenticeship under their appropriate parent or an outside tutor because magic is volatile and not easily mastered. Ascendants are tutored by a member of the Covenant. Not everyone moves passed this point. Apprentices are of all ages for anyone may become one at anytime. Some abandon their training early feeling as though they learned what they needed to pursue their chosen profession.
Adept: Once an apprentice passe their Dawning - a series of predetermined tests - they become adepts. More often than not, an adept chooses to pursue even more learning to move up to the highest rank.
Magister: A Magister is the highest rank a mage can attain. It takes many years of practice and often a witnessed major spell (such as calming a massive wildfire, taming a tornado, halting a tsunami, growing food during a drought, etc.) to be promoted to this level.
Magic works under the law of equivalent exchange. In essence, it costs something to cast magic. It could be strength, time, life, whatever the case, magic is not free.
The elements are:
Fire: Besides having the ability to manipulate flames, a mage can control the heat within a room or even a person's body helping to contain fevers. A Neophyte can strike a spark while a Magister can tame wildfires. Fire magic is intimidating, and wild.
Water: Besides manipulating water, those marked by water can pull water from anything. Creating drizzles or storms are among the larger spells. Water magic is calming and healing.
Earth: Perhaps one of the most difficult paths of magic due to the stubborn nature of earth. It takes much training to even cause earth to shift. One who's mastered this element can cause the earth to give way to crops, break mountains, and create barriers of rock with little effort.
Wind: Small bursts of wind become barriers and controlled movement of objects with training. It is quick, sharp, and unpredictable.
Light: Light magic is powerful and extremely difficult. It offers comfort to the mentally weary and, when mastere,d produces massive barriers like the one that protects Aikanah. It can even allow someone to glimpse into possible futures. It is rare to find a human marked by this gift. Usually one must be born to two Light marked parents as it is considered recessive.
Dark: Dark magic is the most dangerous to wield. Darkness provides rest to the weary and allows a novice to meld into the shadows. A master can judge the motives of a person by seeing into the darkest recesses of the heart and mind. The risk of exploring and being exposed to the utter darkness within man often leads to insanity to those who have not been properly trained for such exploration. Because of the dangers associated with it, many who are branded with dark magic choose not to pursue it or, if they are marked with two elements, will solely pursue the other. Only the most dedicated can master this magic and keep their sanity.
--------------------
What I expect from players:
Posting Expectation: Intermediate - Adept, once a week. I'd also like to stay away from less than 4 detailed paragraphs.
Communication: Let me know if you can't post or if you're stuck (writer's block). I want this to succeed so the more we communicate the better off we'll be. Also, if you have an idea, feel free to share it. It just might make it into the story as a plot line!
Standard Iwaku rules apply.
No god-modding.
Be nice.
